This quilt is pieced together from fragments of used cloth, including previously worn silk and cotton saris. The bold style and free arrangement of patches suggest it was made by the Sidis, descendents of Africans living in India. Sidi quilts, or kawandi, integrate both Indian and African textile traditions. Look for the contrasting, detailed embroidery resembling bird footprints.

What do you see in the central design on this quilt?

Responses

Posted by Mahmood Husain

I see a large body water in the centre surrouned by warm sand. There is quite a bit movement along the edges in the centre. The repetition of colours slows down the movement so the eye eye can fixate on a section without getting distracted.